Silent Words - solo exhibition by Mangu Putra

Gajah Gallery's first exhibition of the year : Silent Words. Mangu Putra’s latest series of 13 Oil on Canvas pieces, tells a story of the challenges faced by Indonesia, challenges which are as numerous and diverse as its people, culture and history. The protagonist in the various scenes captured on Mangu Putra's canvases is played by an emaciated old man. At times he appear helpless and pitiful – bare-bodied, tied up and huddled on a cold floor without a mat or blanket. In other paintings, he wears the uniform of a revolutionary Indonesian independence fighter, a uniform which hangs on his fragile body. Reflecting the ideals of nationalism, the old man remembers the rich history of Indonesia, a nation born after great struggle and sacrifice. The figure of the languishing old man reminds us to think about why Indonesia exists as a nation today. He is languishing because there is no one listening to him. Ignorance and oblivion have silenced him and transformed him into a monument of silence. In a game of strategy and mental warfare, Mangu ironically pits a poor man against a long-sleeved, brief-case carrying institutional figure. Breaking free from an autocratic government in 1998, Indonesians have embraced democracy. However, some of the more ingrained political and economic issues have proven resistant to change and the disparity of wealth within Indonesian society remains vast. With Silent Words, Mangu Putra presents a powerful series of works that narrate the challenges faced by Indonesia today. The exhibition promises to be an engaging and insightful experience. MORE   Main Selection of Artwork

International Buddhist Film Festival
Gajah Gallery is proud to be one of the sponsors of this prestigious event that has chosen Singapore to be the first in Asia to hold the International Buddhist Film Festival. Meant for Buddhists and Non-Buddhist alike, we hope that our valued friends of Gajah Gallery will join us in supporting them. To find out more please visit www.asianbuddhistfilmfest.org MORE   Main Selection of Artwork

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